Regional Protection Officer – Nairobi

About the role

The Regional Protection Officer (Professional) will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and will support the Migrant Protection Unit of the IOM Regional Office for East Horn and Southern Africa. The role contributes to the design, implementation and monitoring of protection, return and reintegration programmes for migrants and displaced persons across the region.

Key responsibilities

• Provide thematic oversight and technical guidance for protection, assisted voluntary return and reintegration activities in the East Horn and Southern Africa region.
• Coordinate with IOM headquarters, global office, country offices and external partners to ensure delivery of protection services in a safe and dignified manner.
• Develop and monitor protection strategies, policies and operational plans aligned with IOM’s migration objectives.
• Prepare analytical reports, situation analyses and recommendations for senior management and donors.
• Facilitate capacity‑building workshops and training for staff and partners on protection standards and best practices.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in migration, international relations, law, humanitarian affairs or a related field.
• Significant professional experience in protection, return, reintegration or related humanitarian programmes, preferably in the East Horn and Southern Africa context.
• Demonstrated ability to work with governments, UN agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, reporting and communication skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• A multicultural work environment within a leading UN migration agency.
• Opportunities for professional development and networking across the IOM global network.